Indications
Minitran patch is a prescription medication used to prevent chest pain (angina) in people with a certain heart condition (coronary artery disease).
Minitran Patch contains the medicine nitroglycerin, which is a type of vasodilator. When the patch is applied to the skin, nitroglycerin is released slowly and absorbed into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, it works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, which reduces the workload on the heart and allows more blood, oxygen, and nutrients to be delivered to the heart muscle.
Use and Dosage
Minitran is a medication in the form of a Transdermal patch that delivers a medicine called glyceryl trinitrate through the skin. The patch should be applied to a clean, dry, and healthy area of skin on the torso or the arms. Subsequent patches should not be applied to the same area of skin. Minitran may cause headaches as a side effect. Note that Minitran will not treat an angina attack that has already begun.
Avoid areas with cuts or irritation, and don't apply the patch immediately after bathing or showering. Once the patch is in place, press firmly with the palm of your hand and wash your hands. Only use one patch a day for 12 to 14 hours or as directed by your doctor.
To reduce skin irritation, apply each new patch to a different area of skin, and dispose of old patches out of reach of children and pets. Use Minitran Patch regularly at the same time each day to get the most benefit. Do not suddenly stop using Minitran Patch without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Minitran Patch (Nitroglycerin):
- Fainting and
- Headache
- Increased angina (chest pain)
- Lightheadedness
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
Serious Side Effects of Minitran Patch (Nitroglycerin):
- Arm or leg weakness
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Difficulty breathing
- Eye pain or swelling
- Fainting
- Fast irregular or pounding heartbeats
- Feeling unsteady
- Fluttering in your chest
- High fever
- Hives
- Lightheadedness
- Loss of coordination
- Profuse sweating
- Seeing halos around lights
- Serious eye symptoms such as: sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights
- Serious heart symptoms such as: fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in your chest; shortness of breath; and sudden dizziness, lightheartedness, or passing out
- Severe headache
- Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors
- Shortness of breath
- Slurred speech
- Sudden dizziness
- Sudden vision loss
- Swelling of your face lips tongue or throat
- Tremors
- Trouble walking
- Tunnel vision
- Very stiff muscles
Forms and Strength
Minitran Patch (Nitroglycerin) is available in the following forms and strength:
Minitran Patch: Transdermal patch
- 0.2 mg
- 0.4 mg
- 0.6 mg
Cautions
- Avoid drinking alcohol or using recreational drugs that may interact negatively with Minitran patch.
- Minitran patch may cause dizziness, blurred vision, or lightheadedness, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
- Do not abruptly stop using Minitran patch, as this can cause rebound angina or a heart attack. Follow your doctor's instructions for gradually reducing your use of the patch.
- Inform your doctor if you have low blood pressure, kidney or liver problems, or a history of bleeding problems, as the patch may worsen these conditions.
- Minitran patch should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women without a doctor's approval.
- Do not use Minitran patch if you are taking certain medications, such as sildenafil (Viagra) or vardenafil (Levitra), as this can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
- If you have a history of head injury or a type of glaucoma called closed-angle glaucoma, use Minitran patch with caution and inform your doctor before use.
- Minitran patch should not be used in patients with a known allergy to nitroglycerin or other nitrates.
- Do not use Minitran patch if you have recently suffered a heart attack, have severe anemia, or have increased intracranial pressure.
- Minitran patch should be used with caution in elderly patients or patients with dehydration or low body fluid volume.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does the effect of Minitran Patch last?
The effect of Minitran patch usually lasts for about 12 hours. Follow your doctor's instructions for how often to apply the patch.
Can Minitran Patch be used with other medications for high blood pressure?
Minitran patch should not be used with some medications for high blood pressure, such as calcium channel blockers or beta blockers. Inform your doctor of all medications you are taking before using Minitran patch.
What should I do if the Minitran Patch falls off?
If the Minitran patch falls off, replace it with a new patch on a different area of skin. Do not apply two patches at once or use extra patches to make up for a lost dose.
How should Minitran Patch be stored?
Minitran patch should be stored at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep the patch in its original packaging until ready to use.
Resources
- https://www.news-medical.net/drugs/Minitran.aspx
- https://www.rxlist.com/minitran-drug.htm
- https://www.drugs.com/mtm/minitran-transdermal.html
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6905/minitran-transdermal/details
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b17f29ca-517e-4d89-84f1-024d98fc5d77
REVIEWS